The Truth about Being Overweight

If you have never had a problem with your weight, you are lucky!  While I am sure everyone struggles with their weight at some point in their lives, count yourself blessed if you never have to deal with being overweight or obese.   I wish I could be one of those people who needs to lose 5-10 pounds to reach their goal weight.  I envy you!

Part of the reason that this journey is so difficult is that overeating is an addiction.  Just like smoking cigarettes, alcoholism, drug dependency, overeating is an addiction that is hard to overcome.  It becomes a part of your daily lifestyle that you do without thinking and begin to depend on to get by.  And although it may take longer than some of those addictions, it is just as lethal to your health.  The difference is that to stop smoking or drinking, you can avoid those things.  (While I am not saying this is in anyway easy!)  However, food is different.  You can't avoid food.  You can't just stop eating cold turkey.  You can't avoid people around you who eat because the reality is that food is everywhere and something we HAVE to have.  Now, I can avoid places like bakeries or going to McDonalds, but eventually I have to go to the grocery store, a restaurant, a family gathering, etc.  I also have to eat at home on a daily basis.  Even if I do not buy junk food, I can overeat on things that are healthier.  I am not only having to change my activity and WHAT I eat, but I'm having to drastically change how much I eat!  I am having to convince myself that what I'm feeling is not hunger but boredom or a "withdraw"  if you will to eating.  There is no AA for food... there is no rehab for food... it's just a daily struggle in the real world.  That's why I'm doing this... this blog and talking with my family and friends about my feelings, struggles, etc. is my therapy... it's my food AA program.  Thanks for continuing to help me!  The encouragement from everyone has been awesome!  (And a huge shout out to my wonderful husband who is having to live with me and deal with the struggles day in and day out!)